Best Place to Mount a Radar Detector

10th Feb,2022
best place to mount a radar detector

Where you mount your radar detector can impact the performance of your device. There are benefits and drawbacks to different locations, and if you mount it the wrong way, it might not perform effectively in detecting radar signals.

The best place to mount a radar detector is as high as possible with an unobstructed view. This will give you the best shot to detector radar signs that are far ahead on the road. We recommend mounting the detector as high up as possible and towards the middle. This is the most preferred position for most drivers.

In this guide, we’ll discuss where you can mount a radar detector, and the best mount in the industry for your device. We will also explain the benefits and drawbacks of mounting your detector in different positions.

Best Mount for Radar Detectors
Rearview Mirror Mount
For Quick Installation
Windshield Mount
Rearview Mirrour Mount
Windshield mount
Clean installation
Mounting on the windshield is ILLEGAL in some states
Allows hardwiring of detector to your vehicle
Suction cups often fail over time
Keeps driver's windshield view 100% clear
Might block the driver's view
More reliable compared to suction cups
Easy to mount, but slides off easily
Blendmount offers a 12% Discount Coupon
More visible to cops
Best Mount for Radar Detectors
Rearview Mirror Mount
Rearview Mirrour Mount
Clean installation
Allows hardwiring of detector to your vehicle
Keeps driver's windshield view 100% clear
More reliable compared to suction cups
Blendmount offers a 12% Discount Coupon
For Quick Installation
Windshield Mount
Windshield mount
Mounting on the windshield is ILLEGAL in some states
Suction cups often fail over time
Might block the driver's view
Easy to mount, but slides off easily
More visible to cops

Mounting on Rearview Mirror – This is our most recommended position to mount your radar. The rear view mirror is located high and dead center in all cars. You will get the best coverage mounting on the rearview mirror.

Mounting High – This is also a great place to mount your device. You can mount it as high as you possible can with suction cups on your windshield. You will be able to detect threat far out on the road but it might be hard to see the display on the detector.

Mounting Middle – Best of both worlds between mounting a radar detector high or low. It’s a good position but depending on the driver it could obstruct your view.  

Mounting Low – The easiest place to mount the detector. You can easily place to suction cups on the windshield, and you will be able to easily see the display when you get an alert.

So, what are the real advantages and drawbacks of each mounting position?

Best Place to Mount a Radar Detector

1. Rearview Mirror Mount – Best Performance and Look (Blendmount)

The rearview mount option is the most popular and arguably the best position for your radar detector. This is especially true in the States because mounting anything on your windshield is considered illegal.

In our experience, mounting a radar detector on the rearview mirror allows for a more seamless look. It also bypasses suction cups, which could be unreliable in securing your device.

Not to mention, you won’t feel like you constantly have an obstruction in your line of sight. Plus, if you prefer a cleaner installation, mounting on the rearview mirror can also hide wires effectively.

The placement of your radar detector on the rearview mirror makes it easier to read alerts. It’s more natural to look up at your rear-view mirror because it’s something we constantly do while driving.

Your detector will also have a great field of view and will be position high and in the center. This position will give you the best performance and you will be able to detect threats far in advance.

One thing to mention is that most radar detectors don’t come with rearview mirror mounts. Your detector will likely have suction cups.

If you want a cleaner look and best placement for your device, you will have to purchase a mirror mount. A high quality mirror mount conceals the radar detector since it’s mounted high and blends in with the rearview mirror.

Blendmount is the best in the game when it comes to rearview mirror mounts. Their mounts a high quality and they make each mount specific for your type of radar.

Luckily we have negotiated 12% off discount for our readers. Make sure to click the button below to claim your discount!

Pros

Cons

*Blendmount Offer 12% Off right now and they will help you to pick the best mount for your vehicle & radar detector model

2. Mounting High on the Windshield

higher mount on the windshield is also a popular option among many drivers. That’s because you get the best line of sight for your detector. If you mount your detector high on the windshield it’s important to make sure its towards the center.

Especially since the positioning of the radar detector can affect its sensitivity and performance. High and center will give you the best performance.

You should have a radar detector mount included when you purchase your device. Most will be suction cups which you can use to mount to the windshield. You can purchase suction mounts from Amazon if you would like to have a spare or if you need to replace the one you currently have.

The downside to mounting high on the windshield is that it makes the detector hard to read. When you get an alert from your device it will be hard to read. You should experiment with the best position that makes it easier to read while driving.

We would also recommend hardwiring the device to have a cleaner look. Not doing this may be easier, but that also means a more cluttered setup. You will have the power cord hanging down which isn’t the best look.

Pros

Cons

3. Mounting on the Center of the Windshield

While this may be “the best of both worlds” between mounting in high and low areas, it really isn’t the most popular choice. This is because you will semi-permanently have your radar detector sitting in the center of your view.

It can be annoying to constantly see your detector in your line of sight every day. This will also become a blind spot which isn’t something that you want either.

This way of mounting also makes the radar detector incredibly visible to potential thieves and burglars. Radars are expensive and the last thing you want is someone stealing this from you.

It’s easy to install your radar detector in the middle but it will be very hard to have a clean look. You will certainly have a wire visible because of that position.

Pros

Cons

4. Mounting Low on the Windshield

low mount means your radar detector will sit close to your dashboard. Many people also opt for this mounting option because it’s quite easy to do. Just unbox your device and stick it to the lower part of your windshield.

It also makes up for suction cup unreliability, because if your device falls it will land safely on a flat surface.

It’s also easy to read your device. You will be able to quickly see what alert is coming from your detector.

The downside of mounting low is that you don’t have a great range to detect police radar.  

If you choose to mount low, it will be easy to have a clean look. You just need to run the cable down to your cigarette lighter. 

Furthermore, it also stays somewhat incognito in this position and some designs can blend in with your dashboard. As such, your radar detector will look inconspicuous, away from the gaze of burglars.

Pros

Cons

Radar Detector Mounting FAQ

Does Window Tint Affect My Radar Detector?

The quick answer is NO. If you have a tinted windshield there shouldn’t be an issue and your detector will perform as it should.

The only thing that will affect your radar will be any metal on your windshield or metallic tints. There will be a slight interference but nothing to worry about at all. Your detector will work just fine.

Check out this video testing this popular questions.

The tint strips or dots don’t interfere with the detection as much as they do with the actual mounting.

You may find that it’s more difficult if you are mounting with suction cups, which already require more steps to make sure they adhere to your windshield [1]. With this in mind, you need to pick a section of your windshield that does not have tint strips for a secure grip.

Where Should I Point My Radar Detector?

The direction you point your radar detector does matter. Radar detectors are directional devices, so having them pointed straight ahead where potential speed traps and red light cameras are is your best bet.

To simply put it, make sure your detector is flat and pointing straight. You want your detector to see as far as possible down the road. If your detector is angled up or down you will be minimizing the performance of you device.

Can I Mount my Radar Detector Externally?

Yes, there is a way to keep the radar detector out of sight. The solution to this problem is the external mount on your grill.

While it is more expensive and you need a professional’s help, it looks quite a bit nicer than having it sit on your windshield or rearview.

Some higher end vehicles have windshields that cannot be penetrated by radar signals, which can affect the precision of your radar detector. The same is true with heated windshields or ones with a metallic tint.

In this case, externally mounting your radar detector could be the best choice for you.

Conclusion

To wrap this up it’s very important where and how you mount your radar detector. You want to place it as high as possible and make sure it’s pointing straight out of your windshield. If your device is angled either up or down you will be limiting the performance of your device.

You also want to remember that the looks matters.

So choose a mounting position that gives you a nice and clean look. If you haven’t purchased a detector or are in the market for a new one, check out our top recommended radar detectors.

Our Top Pick: Blendmount (Rearview Mirror Mount)

The best place to mount a radar detector would be on your rearview mirror. This will keep your radar detector out of sight while still achieving optimum performance.

If you’re going this route, Blendmount is a durable and well-built rearview mirror mount. In our tests, it keeps our radar detectors securely in place, ensuring the device stays reliable and effective on the road.

Torn between the Max 360 and the Max 360C? We got you covered.

William Johnson

William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.